Cell phone users beware of 'Apple picking'

2013-05-14T22:27:56Z2013-05-14T22:27:57Z

(WMC-TV) - iPhone users need to beware of a new theft trend sweeping the nation. It is called "apple picking".

Having your cell phone snatched from right under your nose is such a common occurrence, it already earned a name. "Apple picking" happens when your attention is diverted and your phone is in your pocket or just inches away.

At iRepear in Bartlett, the term is familiar to owner Matt Prager.

"My brother had his iPhone stolen. Several customers had their iPhones stolen. Two employees had their iPhones stolen," he said. "Hear about it a lot actually."

An extreme case happened a few weeks ago during the Africa in April Cultural Awareness Festival.

Katherine Jefferson is now locked up on a $40,000 bond.

Police say the victim was actually talking on her phone when Jefferson snatched it out of her hand. She may have chased after except there was another woman standing there with a hand in her purse as if she had a gun, threatening to shoot her if she gave chase.